New York State Education Department
TASC Transition Curriculum: Workshop 5
Are video games sports? Pupils investigate this question as well as various nonfiction selections to learn more about claims and the support that defines them. All of the selections mimic the rigor on state tests and encourage close...
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Stalking the Big Bad Wolf
Students investigate the perceptions of wolves in fairy tales, cartoons, and stories in this eight week series of lessons. They research wolf behaviors using books, articles, and videos in order to write a position paper. They study the...
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FOREST GRUMP: Examining How Deforestation Affects Plants and Animals of the Canadian Boreal
Students consider definition of an ecosystem as it relates to the Canadian boreal, discover how deforestation affects this forest and recreate ecosystems. They write persuasive letters urging politicians or business people to help save...
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Getting our Paws into the Cause
Twelfth graders examine local, state, and/or national animal welfare organization. In this Social Studies lesson plan, 12th graders research their identified organization. Students develop a planned intervention strategy to help...
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Food Wars
Students investigate the debate whether schools should regulate the amount or type of food and drink students consume. They write and present position papers after reading an online NY Times article.
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Crash Test Physics
High schoolers design and test balsa cars. In this crash tet instructional activity, students design and build their own cars to specifications. They explore the physics of motion and vehicle crash safety.
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Solving Science Mysteries
Learners choose a science-related mystery to investigate such as the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. They, in groups, research theories and give a persuasive talk presenting the theory they feel to be most likely.
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Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Learners explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
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Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Power
Learners develop arguments for and against the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Poll the groups to determine which view dominates in the class and students write a summary of their conclusions.
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Those Before Us
Students examine medical pioneers and identify their characteristics. They survey their contributions to the medical field and society and present persuasive argument for or against modern medical pioneers.
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Cougar or Human: Which Needs Protection?
Learners research the biology and natural history of the cougar. Students conduct Internet research to determine how cougars have been protected by humans and how it is affected by human decisions. Learners write about reconciling...
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Create a Cloud in a Bottle
Students investigate the conditions needed for cloud formation and explore how pressure and temperature effect cloud formation. For this atmospheric pressure lesson students complete a lab on cloud formation.
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Create a Cloud in a Jar (Hands-on Version)
Learners examine the conditions necessary for cloud formation. For this clouds lesson students complete an activity that shows them atmospheric pressure.
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Wellness and the Organic Food Movement
Twelfth graders examine their activities and discuss how they impact the environment. In groups, they research the organic food movement and discuss how it changed the type of foods eaten. To end the lesson, they examine the impact of...
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Glacier Presentations
Students research news articles relating to global climate change. In this earth science lesson, students create a news broadcast using the information they gathered. They present this in class and each student gives their peer...
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Effects of Lung Disease
Middle schoolers illustrate the chronic lung conditions associated with smoking and write a persuasive argument against smoking. In this lung disease lesson, students use straws and balloons to illustrate the problems created by smoking....
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Smoke and Mirrors
Students develop a persuasive peer-to-peer case against smoking. They read two scenarios, perform a skit, and prepare a factual presentation.
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Give a Hoot - Don't Pollute at Black Bayou Lake
Fourth graders visit Black Bayou Lake refuge to observe the effects of land and water pollution. They photograph examples of pollution. They list the effects of land and water pollution. They write a persuasive letter to convince others...
National First Ladies' Library
Eli Whitney: A Top Ten Inventor?
Learners conduct research and present their findings in a persuasive manner. Then they work in groups to enhance the development of cooperative work skills. Students also present their findings through persuasive skills in writing and/or...
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Bionic Trees
Students examine the debate about using trees to clean up the environment by reading and discussing a news article. They research the various contexts for which scientists may want to genetically alter trees and assess the validity of...
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Our Future - Nuclear Power?
Students comprehend that there are risks involved with using nuclear power. They write persuasive paragraphs for and against nuclear power. Students analyze the environmental issues and risks with nuclear power.
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Is Every Color in the Rainbow?
Students discuss whether all colors are in the rainbow. In this physics lesson, students defend their ideas and present persuasive arguments to support them.
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Heart Mobiles In Action
Students design a mobile or wall hanging that reviews the circulatory system. In this circulatory system lesson, students work in small groups to identify the structures of the heart, and create a model in the form of a two or three...
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Global Warming
Students explore global warming. In this science lesson, students research global warming. Students work in small groups to create a presentation about global warming.